7 Fresh Summer Scents

Summer is a hard time to commit to fragrance (and I say this as a person who is wholly devoted to big perfume, by the way, whether that is something light and indecipherable, or if it is a full-blown patchouli explosion). The old adage “a little goes a long way” rings true in warmer weather; it feels as though the heat amplifies scent to an annoying degree, from street odor to anything you spritz on your wrist. Plus, some fragrances are simply too formal for these lazy days—even for your wedding day. As Now Smell This contributor Angela Sanders is quoted in The Guardian: “It makes sense,” she says. “Do you really wear your most serious clothing in summer? Summer is the time to take Fridays off, stay up late and wear cheap sandals. Summer perfumes reflect that feeling.”

So barring nothing at all, what’s your favorite summertime scent? I’d bottle Seattle’s spring honeysuckle and wear it year round if I could, but since I am not equipped to make that happen, here are our picks for 2016′s big days and dog days.

Grace by Grace Coddington, $110

Available at Luckyscent (heaven to perfumaholics), Grace is named after the famed OTT cat lover-slash-Creative Directrice of Vogue, and might be the most anticipated fragrance for the fashion set ever. This is an aromatic rose with freesia, vetiver and cashmere woods.

For the sweet tooth, this gourmand is a bit floral and a whole bunch vanilla. Perfect for Tom Ford Black Orchid fans who want something lighter and less pricey. We found it at Sephora.

Moss Garden by Pirouette, $45

Seattle perfumer Pirouette’s natural Moss Garden is a sparkling green fragrance with violet, lavender and orange blossom notes. It’s not sweet or delicate, however; it feels more zen and neutral.

NARS ‘Monoi’ Body Glow II, $59

Rumored to also repel insects, NARS Monoi body oil smells like a vacation. Completely coconutty-tropical and perfect for the perfume commitment-phobe who simply wants to smell nice while treating their skin. Find it downtown at Nordstrom.

Mykonos12 EDP, $150

Seattle perfumer Maria Christofilis created her latest with the Aegean Sea in mind. With dreamy notes of iris, jasmine, and Mediterranean bergamot, prepare to be swept away. Purchase online.

Ploom Incense Pyres by Blackbird, $30

Don’t want to put it on your wrist? Then try the Ballard shop Blackbird’s Ploom, a tobacco-gardenia hybrid incense pyre for a witchy, spicy ambiance. The scent is sure to cast a love spell on your ceremony or reception setting.